Where to find cheap tools - many towns offer the solution

Lately i have been finding used tools for really great prices so i figured i would share with the community.... THRIFT STORES/FLEA MARKETS!! Lol there is one place on Long Island here in NY in particular where they are basically giving used tools away.... i bought a brand new cordless 18V drill in the box, a used medium sized sledge hammer a handful of clamps and 3-4 chisels for $22.00. This same location sells individual wrenches and screwdrivers for like 2-3 for $1.00 Often times if you can find someone who buys storage units or other wholesale lots they are willing to sell tools for a lot less than they are worth because they do not realize their value and just want to get these items out the door ASAP so they have more room to sell other items..... Its probably been discussed before but i figured i would share what i have learned.

That's allways been the place to go Patty, you're absolutely right :) Flea markets, yard sales, pawn shops, thrift stores.
You've also got to know what to look for, such as a shiny metalic looking plastic screwdriver made in whoflungdung, beside a rusty old real steel relic made in USA, both in the same ten cent bucket ; )

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made in whoflungdung,

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I visited there once,,

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

I visited there once,,

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I actually bought something there; Then cussed when it broke. My favorite saying - You get what you pay for.

i find a lot of my stuff at yard sales,flea markets. The Thrift stores we have are usually nothing but cloths and household stuff. I find some stuff at farm and estate auctions, depends on the crowd thats there,some days ya get a bargain,some days everything is overpriced.

Be cautious buying clothing or bedding/mattresses at thrift stores - bedbugs.

I wouldnt ever trust buying clothes or a mattress from a thriftstore but nothing like a craftsman screw driver for a quarter lol....

When at flea markets always look for craftsman hand tools, broke or not. Bought a broke 1/2" drive ratchet, craftsman, for $5 and took it to sears and got it exchanged for free. So got a new ratchet for $5, love the warranty at sears they always exchange with little or no questions asked.

I can't begin to tell you how many tools I have scrapped. How many socket sets can one man use?

Never too many ! Just kidding burly, Ive scraped lots of off brand tools too, never would do that with any name brAnd tho.

I have my own booth at Thackerland flea market in judsonia arkansas and the first thing i do before i open my booth on saturday and sunday is walk the vendors, especially the ones that are not there very often, to look for tools. A lot of times i have something at my booth they are willing to trade for so i end up with good tools with little to no money out of pocket. amazing the things people throw away around here that still works that i can sell. Especially the college kids around here.